Playing card boxes are folding cartons sized to hold a deck of cards, most often a 54-card poker deck. The Best Price Boxes prints them custom to your deck size and artwork with no minimum order, and the price-beat guarantee applies to any written quote you bring for matching specs.
Sizing starts with the deck, not the card
A poker-size card is about 2.5 by 3.5 inches, and a bridge-size card is slimmer at about 2.25 by 3.5 inches. Those are the card faces. What decides the box is the thickness of the stack, which changes with the card stock, the coating and the number of cards. A standard deck of 54 cards on common casino-style stock stacks to roughly five eighths to three quarters of an inch, but thinner or thicker stocks vary. Measure the actual stack with a ruler under light pressure, then add a little clearance so the cards slide out without tearing the box edge.
Custom game decks add a twist. Tarot, trivia and party-game decks may run 78, 100 or more cards, and the box depth grows with them. Say how many cards and what stock, and we work from your sample.
Construction and finish
The standard design is a tuck-end carton: the lid closes over the top with a tuck flap, and the box opens along one narrow end. It is printed on paperboard in the 16 to 24 pt range, which is stiff enough to protect the deck corners but light enough to hold in one hand. A thumb notch or a die-cut cutaway on the front makes it easier to slide the deck out.
Collectible decks and Kickstarter reward tiers often use a two-piece box with a sleeve or a drawer. Those are bigger builds and need a clear plan for assembly. For most card projects, a good tuck box with strong print and a tactile coating does the job.
- Tuck-end deck box sized to poker, bridge or custom decks
- Paperboard stock, CMYK or Pantone printing
- Soft-touch lamination, matte or gloss coating
- Foil stamping, spot UV and embossing for logos and borders
- Thumb notch or cutaway for easier removal
- Printing inside the lid for rules or credits
Print choices that suit cards
Playing cards are visual products, so the box is a chance to show the artwork. Deep blacks and rich colours reward a soft-touch finish. Foil on a crest or title is the classic choice for premium decks. Match the box colours against the actual card faces; a mismatch between a printed carton and a card deck is visible. If you can send a physical card, we can use it as a colour reference.
Related game packaging
For multi-deck sets or party games, look at our card deck boxes and the larger game boxes. A retail-facing deck box that hangs on a peg works well as a hang tab box, and a simpler carton might be a tuck top box. Browse the game boxes range for the full list.
Think about how the deck is used. A box that lives in a pocket needs firmer board and a snug tuck, while a box that sits on a shelf can afford a looser fit and a more delicate finish. Rounded corners on the dieline reduce the chance of snagging, and a slightly longer tuck flap keeps the lid shut when the box is dropped into a bag. Small choices like these separate a box people keep from one that is thrown away.
Next step
Send the card size, the number of cards, a sample deck if you have one, and your quantity, even one. We draw the dieline and quote it.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order for playing card boxes?
No. There is no minimum order. You can order a single box to check the fit with your deck, then order a full run when the artwork and size are approved.
What size is a poker playing card box?
A poker card is about 2.5 by 3.5 inches. The box depth depends on the stack thickness, which varies with card stock. Measure your own stack and send us the figure so we size the carton precisely.
How thick is a standard 54-card deck?
On common casino-style stock, a 54-card deck stacks to roughly five eighths to three quarters of an inch. Thinner or thicker stocks differ, so measure your own stack with a ruler before ordering.
Can you make boxes for larger custom decks?
Yes. Tarot, trivia and party-game decks often have 78 or more cards, so the box depth grows to match. Tell us the card count and stock and we build the carton around your sample.
What finishes work well on card boxes?
Soft-touch lamination gives a velvet feel to dark artwork, and foil stamping suits crests and titles. Matte or gloss coating and spot UV are also available. Send your artwork and we advise on placement.
Can I print rules inside the lid?
Yes. We can print on the inside of the lid and flaps, which is useful for rules, credits or a short note. You supply the wording and artwork and we place it on the dieline.
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